Welsh Names that Start With I
- Isolde
Origin:
Welsh, GermanMeaning:
"ice ruler"Description:
Now that Tristan has been rediscovered, maybe it's time for his fabled lover in the Arthurian romances and Wagnerian opera, a beautiful Irish princess, to be brought back into the light as well.
- Idris
Origin:
Welsh; ArabicMeaning:
"lord; studious"Description:
A name that crosses cultures, Idris was virtually unknown before the emergence of the charismatic Idris Elba, first on The Wire and then depicting Nelson Mandela in the acclaimed film.
- Iago
Origin:
Welsh and Galician variation of James and JacobDescription:
Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.
- Iolo
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"weathy lord"Description:
Rhythmic Welsh nickname name, derived from the Welsh royal name Iorwerth, which has sometimes been anglicized as Edward.
- Islwyn
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"below the grove"Description:
Islwyn is the name of a mountain in Wales which has a pleasant fluid sound. Islwyn has recently been made more familiar through Runescape.
- Ieuan
Origin:
Welsh variation of JohnDescription:
Ieuan was in the England & Wales Top 300 from the late 90s until the late-2000s, but in other countries, the pronunciation and spelling would be troublesome.
- Inek
Description:
Inek is a masculine name with multiple cultural origins. In Turkish, 'inek' means 'cow,' though it's not commonly used as a personal name in Turkey. In some African cultures, particularly in Nigeria among the Ibibio people, Inek or Inyek can be found as a personal name. The name may also have Hungarian or Slavic roots in some contexts. Inek is extremely rare as a given name in Western countries, making it a highly distinctive choice. Its short, punchy sound gives it a modern feel despite its traditional origins. The name's obscurity means it carries few preconceptions, allowing the bearer to define its identity.
- Ilar
Description:
Ilar is an uncommon masculine name with multiple potential origins. It may be a variant of the Welsh name Ilar, related to Hilary, which derives from the Latin 'hilaris' meaning 'cheerful' or 'happy.' Alternatively, it could be connected to the Basque name Hilarri, or serve as a shortened form of names like Ilario. In some cultures, it might also represent a unique variant of the Russian Ilarion or Ilari. The name's brevity gives it a modern, minimalist appeal while its obscurity makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking something truly distinctive. Ilar has never been among popular ranking names in the United States or most Western countries, maintaining its status as a rare choice.
- Ifor
Origin:
WelshMeaning:
"archer"Description:
Ifor seems to make more sense in its Anglicized version, Ivor.
- Iwan
Description:
Iwan is a masculine name that serves as the Welsh, Polish, and Belarusian variant of John, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.' This version maintains the original name's spiritual significance while offering a distinctive cultural flavor. Pronounced roughly as 'EE-vahn' (though this varies by culture), Iwan has been used for centuries across different parts of Europe. In Wales, it represents one of the traditional forms of John, while in Eastern European contexts it stands as a respected traditional name with deep historical roots. Though not frequently encountered in English-speaking countries outside of Welsh communities, Iwan offers a strong yet accessible option for parents seeking an international variation of a classic name with religious significance.